It’s 2023, and ChromeOS is no longer an operating system that hosts a web browser only. It has several productivity and neat add-ons to multitask like a pro. Apart from asplit-screen to view two apps side-by-sideand an app switcher menu, you can create multiple desktops for a smooth workflow.
Whether you plan to get a newtop Chromebookor already have one, we recommend familiarizing yourself with virtual desktops (as Google calls it) to reduce clutter and distraction. Before diving into virtual desks on Chrome OS, let’s first understand the new multitasking trick and why you need to use it.
What is a virtual desktop on a Chromebook?
As the name suggests, a virtual desktop lets you create several desktops on your Chromebook for specific purposes. It divides your desktop into several workspaces to improve productivity and better manage your workflow. After testing it for months with users,the search giant finally announced virtual desktops with Chrome OS 76in August 2019. you may create up to eight virtual desktops on your Chromebook.
Virtual desktops are standard on Windows and macOS, and it’s good to see Google implementing the same functionality on ChromeOS.
Why should you use a virtual desktop on ChromeOS?
With Linux and Android apps support, it’s easy to pack your Chromebook with dozens of apps. When you have several apps and browser tabs open in the background, switching between them can get cumbersome and confusing. It affects your productivity hours, too. Instead of closing essential apps and tabs, you can create virtual desktops and organize your apps and browser tabs efficiently.
For instance, you may keep your productivity apps and tabs like Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Google Keep, and more under a specific workspace. You can create another virtual desktop likeSocial Mediato arrange Google Chrome tabs, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp web, and similar apps. Think of virtual desktops as folders on your phone where you can organize similar apps under a single category.
If you haven’t used a Chromebook before, read ourdedicated guide on ChromeOSto familiarize yourself with Google’s desktop operating system.
How to create a virtual desktop on Chromebook
There are two ways to create a virtual desktop on a Chromebook. You can use a keyboard shortcut or rely on the overview menu.
Use a keyboard shortcut to create a virtual desk
Press theShift+Search+Equalbuttons to create a new virtual desk on ChromeOS.
Create a virtual desktop from the overview menu
The overview menu lets you create and manage virtual desktops on a Chromebook.
Switch between virtual desktops on Chrome OS
Switching between virtual desktops is seamless on your Chromebook.
From the overview menu
You can press theShow windowsbutton on your Chromebook keyboard, check the overview menu, and switch between several desktops from the top.
Use keyboard shortcuts
ChromeOS comes with thoughtful keyboard shortcuts to navigate the system like a pro. One such keyboard shortcut isSearch+LeftBracket([) orRight Bracket(]) to move between virtual desks.
First, create multiple desks on your Chromebook and useSearch+Right Bracketto a relevant desktop. you’re able to pressSearch+Left Bracketto go back to your main desktop (Desk 1).
If you want to navigate virtual desktops without lifting your fingers, use the trackpad gestures. Swipe four fingers left or right on your Chromebook touchpad to check active windows.
Manage apps and windows in virtual desks on Chrome devices
Now that you know how to create and switch between virtual desktops on your Chromebook, it’s time to arrange apps and browser tabs in them.
Press theoverview buttonon the keyboard and drag and drop the opened app or browser tab to another desktop. There is a better and more efficient way to move an app from one desktop to another quickly.
You can open an app and press theShift+Search+Right Bracketkeys to move it to Desk 2. Similarly, you can press theShift+Search+Left Bracketkeys to move an active app or tab to a left virtual desktop. Chrome OS immediately moves the app and frees up the space on the current desktop.
Rename and rearrange multiple desktops on a Chromebook
If you don’t change names while creating a virtual desktop, ChromeOS adds standard names like Desk 2, Desk 3, and so on. you’re able to always change it to relevant names.
Save or close virtual desktops on ChromeOS
Once the virtual desktops serve the purpose, you can save or completely close them. If you plan to use the virtual desktop in the future, save it for later. Here’s how.
Click theX markin the upper-right corner of a desk to close it. Close irrelevant desks so they don’t consume CPU power on your computer.
Fly through your tasks on a Chromebook
ChromeOS can be a new experience for users coming from Windows or Mac. Check our post tolearn the top ChomeOS tips and tricks. What are you waiting for? Download apps from the Google Play Store, create a new virtual desktop, and optimize your workspace in no time.
